PROCEDURES Evaluation of maximal respiratory pressures (MRP) Quantification of MIP and MEP was performed with the portable device called manometer, Wika brand with pressure scale ranging from -150 to 150 centimeters of water (0 to -150 to (0 to -150 for MIP; 0 to 150 for MEP). The mouthpiece attached to the device had a hole of 2 mm in diameter, in order to function as a relief valve of the facial muscles. During the measurement of maximal respiratory pressures, the survey participants remained in seated position with the trunk in a 90 ° angle with the lower limbs. A forced expiration was requested until reaching the residual volume (RV) for the measurement of MIP, followed by a maximal inspiratory effort against the occluded airway (Maneuver Muller), this maneuver kept for up to 2 seconds. While the evaluation of MEP, a maximum inspiration was requested to Total Lung Capacity (TLC), followed by a maximal expiratory effort against the occluded airway (Muller maneuver), maintained for up to 2 seconds.